Sealant/wax durability vs. washes

M

MarcBickham

New member
I read quite often where people state that the durability/longevity of your sealant layer is dependent upon your wash frequency. In my simple mind, I can make arguments for longevity being better with more frequent or less frequent washing.



So, what's the answer? Does more frequent washing reduce or prolong the sealant life? A quick reason for your opinion might be nice as maybe this isn't a clear cut answer:~))
 
It probably depends on what your washing with. I use FMJ as a sealant and 1z Perls as a wash which adds to the polymer protection. If i were to wash with any OTC product that just cleans and doesn't add to protection, it would reduce the durability.
 
I'm not sure if a wash with polymers adds to the durability any, or merely slows down its degredation. My experience with Zaino seems to be the latter.



However, washes in general definitely degrade the durability. You could wash a panel you just applied carnauba to 10 times with a stronger solution of car wash, and it could be gone by the time you are done.
 
From the 1z site

"

Application is simple. The rich formula will gently and safely wash the paintwork without stripping wax. As you wash, polymers in Perls bond to the paintwork adding protection from environmental influences and weathering.

"



I think it adds to it but, at minimal amounts. Not enough to completely revive your LSP. So as your LSP fades it add some what ever is left extending it's life.
 
I found (somewhat to my surprise) that when I wash my vehicles more often, the LSPs seem to last longer :nixweiss



I suspect that it's a matter of not letting dirt stay on the paint, that the dirt might hold moisture or some other contaminant that's hard on LSPs.



But I wash *very* gently. More frequent washes mean I don't have to wash as aggressively.



I use Griot's Car Wash, so I'm not reinforcing my LSPs when I wash...The MPV is still well-protected with KSG after *more than a year* :eek: of frequent washes. Well, except for the places I've spot-clayed dozens of times. And even those areas seem like they still have SG on them; they don't feel, look, or act like bare (unprotected) paint.
 
I have to agree with Accumulator. More frequent washings keep enviromental hazards from building up on the paint and degrading the wax/sealant. As long as you use a quality car wash soap you will only minimally degrade the protection when you wash. Use the presoak option at a coin op and you can kiss your wax goodbye in one shot though.
 
What Accumulator and Scottwax are saying is generally true. My post reflects the truth of washing a car that does not get dirty. :eek:
 
I would not wash more than once per week. I don't believe that washes would weaken your sealant. To the contrary, your paint should be as clean as possible in order to maintain its finish.



You should be replenishing your finish coat though. If you wash weekly, then if it were me, then I'd replenish at least once a month.
 
Thanks for the opinions folks - I suspected they might be varied.



FWIW - I don't wash nearly as regular as most of you guys, but my sealants last a good six months. That's my goal - major details twice per year. Sorry I'm not "true" autopian:D



Scottwax - interesting comment on the coin-op presoak. I had always suspected that to be the case since it's intended to cut grime quickly. I'm not sure where you live, but up here in Michigan, once winter hits it's always a toss up as to what should be done - leave the salty crust on the vehicles or use the coin-op?!?!?!? I typically go as long as I feel comfortable and then give in to the coin-ops, figuring that spring will come in two months max and I can detail again. I know there are options for keeping the car clean in the winter, but I'm not really into 15 degrees and water, especially when my spare time should be spend getting the drive cleared so I can just get out:~))



I think we're getting onto another thread topic here. As winter approaches, I'll start a thread for winter maintenance tips. Would the QEW work for crusted salt? I'm sure I'm not the only person on these boards who deals with this.
 
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